Opinion

From the critics

Community Activity

Comment

Sensitively written for those of us who have never been exposed to such violence and don't have the constitution for too much detail. Nevertheless I was deeply moved by the story, the lack of control one could have over one's life for a youthful 'misdemeanor' as judged by the state and especially her family's reaction to her return from prison. Thank you to a courageous author for the emotional cost she paid to write this story for the western world.

It's the kind of book that actually grabs you and plunges you head first into its depths. It's the kind of book that leaves you stricken and shaking before the cruelty of the human race, but also wondering about some of the most profound controversies of it's members characters. The book follows Marina throughout her stay in Evin, Iran. She offers incredible insight into life in Iran at that time and shows the ins and outs of revolution (this book is especialy interesting if you can make links to the recent arab spring). Her stories will stay with you long after you have closed the book.

Harrowing tale of survival of a Christian teen arrested, tortured and blackmailed by revolutionary guards. Author's story from her arrest in 1982 through to 1991. Excellently written biography.

BPLNextBestAdults
Oct 16, 2012

In 1982 sixteen-year-old Marina Nemat was arrested for her anti-revolutionary views and sent to Evin prison in Iran. This memoir recounts her life prior and during her stay in the prison. Marina was tortured, forced to marry one of the prison interrogators and forced to convert to Islam. After her first husband was assassinated, her father-in-law was able to secure her release. She then married her Christian boyfriend, Andre. Because she married a non-Muslim it was dangerous for both Marina and her husband Andre to remain in Iran. After three years both were able to get passports when they paid a large sum of money to be allowed to leave Iran. They first settled in Spain and then immigrated to Toronto as refugees. A truly inspirational tale of courage and conviction.

At 16, the author was imprisoned, somewhat tortured, married her prison guard, and converted to Islam from Christianity. Her husband was assassinated; she was released, married and emigrated to Canada. Naive and of questionable understanding.

Amazing book. Truly gripping, honest and raw without going into gory detail. Ms. Nemat's story is remarkable. She is a great author, managing to transmit the essence of the human spirit that is in all of us. So relate able yet shocking and deeply emotional. Should be essential reading.

Summary

Arrested at age 16 in Ayatollah Khomeini's Iran, Marina Nemat was imprisoned in Teheran's notoricous Evin prison for 2 years. She was married to a leader at the prisoner who resigned his position and was shot to death. Marina returned to prison and was released after husband's father pleaded her case. She returned to her parents home and later married long time boyfriend. They had one child and later emigrated to Canada in 1991. She now resides in Toronto. Conditions in Evin prisioner were very brutual.